CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Public health officials have identified COVID-19 (formerly 2019-nCoV) as an international public health emergency. Swisher and ProGuard Service & Solutions provides expertise and guidance for how to help combat the spread of COVID-19 and keep employees and customers safe. We recommend continuing to refer to the WHO or your local public health agency for up-to-date information.

How can my business combat COVID-19?

Work with your Swisher and ProGuard Service & Solutions team to determine which disinfectant products, training and compliance education opportunities exist for your business. Contact us to learn more about our products and programs that can help you combat COVID-19. Get the facts, learn prevention tips, and access a readiness kit with our Coronavirus-specific resources below. Spanish-language versions for many of these materials are available as well.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO HELP COMBAT COVID-19?

Focus on standard infection control practices, training and compliance.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
When soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Minimize close contact with people who have symptoms of respiratory illness.
Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Clean and disinfect surfaces and high-touch objects with approved disinfectants.

Refer to the materials below for additional prevention procedures and other materials. Spanish-language versions for many of these guides are available as well.

Q&A WITH ECOLAB EXPERTS

Ruth Petran, Ph.D., CFS is Senior Corporate Scientist, Food Safety and Public Health for Ecolab. Read Dr. Petran's responses to COVID-19 questions for food service and general infection prevention.

Do I need to increase my usage rate or dose of disinfectant or cleaner?

The use of specific disinfectants can be helpful in combatting COVID-19. All disinfectants and sanitizers should be used as directed on product label/instructions. This is however a great time to reinforce training and compliance to make sure surfaces and high-touch areas are being properly cleaned and employees are using infection prevention best-practices while at work.

Do you have a product for use against coronavirus?

Yes, we offer specific disinfectants that have demonstrated effectiveness against viruses like the one causing COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) when used as directed. We also offer guidance and training on proper cleaning procedures to help reduce COVID-19 risk. If you are a current customer, you should speak with your account executive for specific information. If you are not a current customer, please contact us via email or phone.

How long will coronaviruses survive on surfaces?

The short answer is we don’t know yet. This is a new virus and studies are just beginning. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that transmission of COVID-19 is not that likely to occur from an infected surface. Practically, the risk will be much lower from surfaces than from a direct droplet traveling through the air from an infected person. As in any potential outbreak situation, proper infection prevention with disinfectant for surfaces and high-touch surfaces is recommended.

How can hospitality employees protect themselves in their work environment?

Employees in a hotel or hospitality environment should follow standard infection prevention techniques – things like, washing their hands frequently, staying home when they’re sick, using approved disinfectants with an EPA emerging viral pathogen claim following the specified procedures.

Since testing is not possible using COVID-19, how do you determine what kinds of chemical disinfectants can be used against COVID-19?

For emerging or novel viruses like COVID-19, companies are unable to acquire the outbreak strain of virus to test the efficacy of their disinfectant products. Certain countries have policies or general claims that address this (e.g. US EPA Emerging Viral Pathogen Guidance*, EU viral claims) by utilizing a hierarchy of susceptibility of viruses to disinfectants. In general, these policies are based on the ability of a product to kill a ‘harder to kill’ virus and may or may not require preapproval for use in outbreak situations. Care must be taken to use the appropriate dilution at the correct contact time for the suitable application listed on the product label to enable disinfection against SARS-CoV-2. If you are a current customer, you should speak with your account executive for specific information. If you are not a current customer, please visit Ecolab.com to contact us via email or phone.

*In the US a product must be preapproved by US EPA. It must be a hospital disinfectant and carry approved Emerging Viral Pathogen language on the master label.

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